World-wide Publicity by Motor Vehicle
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AFEW days ago we were advised of the fat that an interesting story awaited us at the works of Graham-Paige Motors, Ltd., at 1, Brixton Road, London, S.W.9, and when we arrived at this address we found one of the most unusual and cleverly designed publicity vehicles that we have ever seen. Its basis is a Graham-Paige eight-cylinder chassis and the machine has been built to represent a combined American locomotive and observation car. The vehicle is employed by the concern responsible for Paramount Pictures.
The bonnet is fashioned in the form of a boiler and a circular plate is fastened over the radiator. In order to enable the engine efficiently to be cooled, the radiator has been extended downward, the air passing through a cowcatcher, which is attached to the front of the chassis, and thence to the radiator and engine. There are substantial bumpers both at the front and rear.
On top of the bonnet there is a funnel, behind which are a bell, a dome and whistle. Along the aides are dummy handrails and footplates, as may be seen on most locomotive boilers. In front of the radiator are two extraordinarily large headlamps and mounted forward of the smokestack is another lamp, which increases the likeness to a railway engine. Level with the scuttle are a further two lamps, these being of the flash type.
The method of expelling smoke through the funnel is to drop crude oil into the exhaust manifold and the smoke is conveyed by way of a small pipe to the smokestack. In this are situated revolving blades, which cause the smoke to be emitted in puffs, instead of in a stream. These operations may be controlled from the driver's seat, from which, too, the whistle wireless apparatus and bell may also be worked.
The body of the vehicle is divided into three sections. The first is the driver's compartment, which is of normal private-car design. The next is the main saloon which provides accommodation for about three seated passengers, although it may be employed for carrying parcels. This section also houses an amplification apparatus for use with gramophone records, relayed to a loudspeaker in the observation compartment. A wireless-receiving set is carried as well as a microphone.
In the third division there are two seats, one on each side of the loudspeaker. A door gives access to each seat and the railing and gates are of chromium-plated metal, some parts being about 2 ins. thick. Incidentally, all metal parts are chromium-plated and help to give the vehicle a distinctive appearance.
The front wings are specially strengthened and are provided with seats. Although they are suitable for carrying persons, they are employed only for carrying effigies of Harold Lloyd. the famous film actor, of whom another model is carried On the roof.
The vehicle just described is one of 15 which have been supplied. They are to tour the world and will shortly be seen in Leeds, Cardiff, Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow. Each of the cars cost about £5,500 and, we are told, are available for the use of charitable institutions, to provide music and permit announcements 'clearly to be made. A probable reason for the choice of Graham-Paige chassis is, we are told, that the maker is represented in 77 cOuntries of the world, exclusive of U.S.A. and Canada.